Connors' lawyer, Gabby Deane, said the defendant had experienced some tragedy in his life, including the murder of his brother in August 2014.

Connors admitted to having no insurance and no driving licence at Brookview Drive, Tallaght, on June 30 last.

He also pleaded guilty to having no insurance, no licence, fraudulent use of a tax disc and driving while disqualified at Bothair Katherine Tynan, Tallaght, last July 15.

He further admitted having no insurance and no licence at Rossfield Drive, Tallaght, last July 5.

Hearing the extent of Connors' previous convictions, Judge Lindsay said: "He deserves to qualify for the position of the worst offender before the court."

Sgt Michael Ahern said Connors, who was before the judge for a probation report, had 279 previous convictions including 45 for no insurance.

Connors is currently serving a 15-month sentence.

Judge Lindsay sentenced him to consecutive sentences totalling 25 months, all suspended for 24 months, and banned him from driving for 30 years.

Connors' younger brother 'Fat Andy', who was one of Ireland's most notorious criminals, was shot dead in a bitter cash dispute in August 2014.

The 45-year-old father-of-six was murdered in front of his wife and children at their newly-built home.

No arrests have yet been made in the investigation into his death.

extortion

Connors' extended Traveller gang, which has more than 200 members, was the chief target of Operation Fiacla and other large investigations, but his murder did not end the thugs' nationwide crime spree.

They are the most prolific gang involved in countless burglaries, sources say.

Gardai have been investigating whether Connors was killed by the INLA after he refused to bow to their extortion demands.

They are also looking into a dispute he was involved in with a high-profile south Dublin businessman.